A Book Full of Mysteries

"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." (Revelation 1:3)

I saw a book on my living room's table when I went home last week. I picked it up and turned to the first page. Unknowingly, I continued reading. The content in it was very interesting. The book Revelation in the Bible has long made me thinking and questioning on some of the verses(with symbols and mysterious details). But through this book (entitled "The Victorious Lamb" - by Rev. Dr. Tie King Tai), I can now have a better understanding on the verses in the book of Revelation. No other New Testament book resembles Revelation in style.

This is the book that I mentioned earlier("The Victorious Lamb - An Exposition on the Book of Revelation"). Pastor Tie has indeed made a great effort in explaining and giving a clear interpretation on the events and verses in each chapter of the book Revelation. There are a few real-life testimonials that would touch every reader's heart. It shows how wonderful it is to believe and accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. Through this book, one will also know the events that will take place at the end of times.

According to the New International Version Bible, many explanations are made in explaining the book Revelation. The codes in Revelation is effective- so effective that few people today agree on exactly what they mean. Some explain Revelation in terms of the first century, concluding that many of the events prophesied in code took place during the Roman empire. Others find clues to John's meaning spread out over 2000 years of church history, or an idea based on a scanty evidence that he uses to describe an idealized battle of good and evil.

Because of all the conflicting theories about Revelation, readers are tempted to respond in one or two ways. Some judge the book so weirdly that they find no reason to read it at all. How can anyone be sure of its meaning?

Others conclude they have discovered the secret explanation of each obscure(mysterious) detail. Since the first century, some group has come up with different interpretations of the prophecies.

Why read this strange book? From the 1st verse, John gives us a clue: "the revelation of Jesus Christ" which introduces this book. Revelation gives a unique picture of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament would be incomplete without it. Revelation shows Jesus Christ from a new perspective: as the mighty ruler of the cosmic forces of good. When John saw him in this glorified state, he fell at Jesus' feet as though dead. (1:17)

Although Revelation does not remove the mystery surrounding Jesus' return and the end of the world, it does throw light on those events. It speaks lasting truths to every generation of readers. Revelation tells of Christ's future triumph over the evil in the universe. This crucial message of final hope was needed by its original readers in the first century and is still needed by us today.

While reading(or before reading) Revelation, a good Bible dictionary or commentary will clear up the confusion about Revelation.

Till then, God bless. Jesus loves you. :-)

P/S: Classes have started and I have to keep up my pace with it. Please pray for me.